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Science News for November 30, 2000


Fighting Fungi

Researchers have uncovered a biological program that prevents the development of pathogenic fungi under nitrogen-poor conditions. The unfolded protein response (UPR) mediates this morphological response and can be targeted to develop new anti-fungal therapies.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 30, 2000

Smart spacecraft will provide smoother ride

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed mathematical formulas to reduce vibrations on spacecraft, enabling autonomous decision-making without human programming. The technology will be tested on the International Space Station, which is currently under construction with a budget of $50 billion and expected completion in five years.

Immunotherapy slows disease progression and lowers PSA levels in some men with prostate cancer, UCSF study finds

A novel therapy employing the immune system to attack prostate cancer cells has been found to slow disease progression in some men and decrease PSA levels. The study's results show that modified dendritic cells can train lymphocytes to recognize prostate cancer cells, leading to a stronger immune response.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 30, 2000

Auxin takes root

Researchers have made significant advances in understanding the molecular pathway of root development by studying the auxin signaling pathway. The study identified a novel plant gene called NAC1, which is expressed in root tips and regulates the effect of auxin on root formation.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 30, 2000

Who cares for the carers?

A new study from the Institute of Psychiatry finds that schizophrenia affects carers' mental and physical well-being from its earliest stages. Carers experience distress due to difficult behaviors and social withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of providing support to prevent further mental illnesses.

SourceInstitute of Psychiatry·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 30, 2000

First gene therapy to calm pigs' out-of-sync hearts

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a gene therapy that effectively treats abnormal rhythms in pig hearts, using genes delivered by routine catheter methods. The treatment showed a 20% decrease in heart rate compared to control animals, and has the potential to be transferred to human heart disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 30, 2000